2020 Fuel Reduction Burn Program

The City of Launceston has engaged an experienced contractor to undertake a number of fuel reduction burns over autumn across Launceston and in West Tamar. The program is available at https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Emergency-Management/Bushfire#section-3 and includes fuel reduction burns at:

• Cambridge Street Reserve, West Launceston
• Carr Villa Memorial Park Bushland, Kings Meadows
• Cataract Gorge Reserve, Denison Road, West Launceston
• Calvary Road, Mowbray
• Freelands Lookout,Trevallyn
• Hardwicke Street Reserve, Summerhill
• Machens Reserve,Kings Meadows
• Meadow Ridge Reserve, Launceston
• Merthyr Park, Lilydale
• Punchbowl Reserve, Punchbowl
• Russell Plains Farm, Ravenswood
• Salisbury Crescent, West Launceston
• Ti Tree Bend Silt Ponds, Mowbray
• West Tamar Silt Ponds, Launceston
• Youngtown Regional Park, Youngtown.

Why do we need to do this?

The aim of fuel reduction burning is to reduce existing fire hazards, protect property and other assets, protect flora and fauna and their habitats, assist in the regeneration of degraded bushland and control weeds. The Council uses a range of vegetation management programs to minimise bushfire risk which includes fuel reduction burns.

When will this happen?

The burn will only be carried out on days when weather conditions are considered suitable meaning the decision to burn is made on a day to day basis. Operations are expected to take one day. Notifications of scheduled burns will be updated on Council's website -www.launceston.tas.gov.au/works and the Tasmanian Fire Service website - https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/.

What does this mean for you?

During burn operations, the area and trails around the burn will be closed to the public. Signage will be in place. Safety checks will be carried out following the burn before reopening the area and trails. Caution should be exercised for several days after the burn. Whilst fire intensity is expected to be low, the burn will generate flames, smoke and ash which may persist until the next rainfall event.  People with medical conditions are advised to have a personal plan for avoiding smoke from the burn. Advice is available from the Department of Health and Human Services website www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/peh/alerts/air/precautions.

For further information or questions, please contact Customer Service Centre 6323 3000 or contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au.